Wrestle Mania

One of my favorite things in the whole world is watching Craig and the E dog take each other down. Seriously- Elliott runs up to Craig and says- "Let's wesle" and it begins. It usually ends up in a tickle fest with El laughing hysterically. One of my bests! (Thank you "Charlie and Lola")

Maui, Hawaii

We were so lucky this last week to have spent a few days in Hawaii. Craig's office had their partner meeting there- this is where all of the partners and their wives get together. We had a great time! It was the first time we have ever really left Elliott. He stayed with Aunt Shelly (total supermom) and had a great time.

We got a chance to go back to a spot were we stayed on our honeymoon and sit on the hammock one last time. They are going to tear down the hotel soon- so we were glad to be able to be there one more time and take a few pictures that we had taken almost 9 years ago. Time flies!

It was a great week- one that will never be forgotten.

Zip Line Madness

If you have never zip lined- you are really missing out. While on Maui we were able to do it and had the best time. The first few were a little wussy but the last couple were incredible! Something I hope to do again!

Whales

We went on a whale watching trip while in Hawaii also. It was truly AMAZING!!! We felt so lucky to have been able to see such beautiful creatures. It really was one of those moments when I remember how incredible the creation is.
We happened to be in the middle of a little fight between to male whales wanting the affections of a female whale. All three of them kept swimming under our boat and coming up on the other side and doing all of the things whales do. All three of them were right under our noses for about 45 minutes solid. It was awesome!

For Evaly

This tagging thing is a new concept I am not used to- here you go!

Available or not: Married
Best friend: Craig
Cake or pie: Cake
Drink of choice: Water (I know, so boring)
Essential items used daily: Stereo, toothbrush (I am a little OC about it), lotion, mascara and Elliott’s books.
Favorite color: White (I know not a color- but still)
Gummy bears or worms: Neither- not a fan.
Hometown: Twin Falls, Idaho
Indulgence: At present anything I do when E is at his little preschool- probably the gym, a yoga class or going shopping.
January or February: February (Since I no longer am working in a floral shop- I quite like Valentine’s Day)
Kids and names: Elliott
Life is incomplete without: Craig, El and our families.
Marriage date: August 1, 1998
Number of siblings: 4
Oranges or apples: Apples
Phobias or fears: Claustrophobia, holding my breath and my hatred of hospitals.
Quote (favorite): At present I have a few- here are 2-
Aristotle said- The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.
And (Thank you Craig- This one just makes me smile)
Richard Feynman (Whoever he is) said-
Science is like sex: sometimes something useful comes out, but that is not the reason we are doing it.
Reason to Smile: Almost everything Elliott does- however, he is so polite in the morning- when he wakes up he either knocks from the inside of his door until we go get him or he knocks softly on our door and says “Hello? Anybody there?”- I love it! It is quite a pleasant way to wake up.
Season: Winter- love the air (there is just something about getting bundled) and the feeling in the air.
Tag 3 people: Mandy, Karlea and Jennifer
Unknown fact about me: I really don’t like the water- just the thought of holding my breath- go figure.
Vegetables you don't like: Brussel sprouts
X-rays: Are you kidding me? Where shall I begin……………………???
Your favorite food: Right now- a really good artichoke or salad- something fuffy.
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Is there anything better?

We had a little aquarium escape on Monday- just the 3 of us. It was a great little outing where we let E tell us what he wanted to do. Of course- sharks.
A somewhat rainy morning turned into a beautiful day with my boys.
Is there anything better?
Not for me.

Cheese

The other morning while eating breakfast E was being so stinking silly- so I had to get the camera- all I said was "give me some cheese" and he performed like a star. So silly, so silly.

Pirate Fever

We had my sisters littles for a night last weekend. We really had a good time. The 3 of them are pirate CRAZY- especially when they get together. Pirate gun this, pirate sword that, etc. It is pretty funny- we had them do a pirate pose and this is what we got!

"I am going to work"

El really likes to get ready to go work or on the airplane. He finds various items around the house to "get ready"- My favorite at present? The shapes box he carries around like it is a brief case or suit case. He will go to the door open it up and say "Bye, Elliott's going on airplane" or "Bye, Elliott to work". I adore him.

What do you do with a scurvy pirate?

We are all about pirates these days- as are 90% of all little boys right now! It is so stinking fun! We make these silly faces with one eye open and try to sputter as many pirate sayings that we know- at present E's favorites are "Argh- ye scurvy pirate, walk the plank" and "Shiver me timbers". He is getting pretty good at the faces too. At first he would just close both eyes with a scrunched up face.
Thank you to- Jack Sparrow (E has no idea who he is except a cool pirate on the ride at Disneyland and a little toy figure) and the ever lovable Backyardagains. How did we all survive without the Backyardagains? They are fabulous!

Fuzzy Bear

We have this cute little book that Mandy (Elliott's Aunt) gave to us. Elliott loves sticking his face through the different little pictures. He was being so silly this particular day and so I got him to pose for a cute "fuzzy bear" moment. He is my guy. Like I have always said, never a dull moment around our home.

Bowl-o-rama

A good friend of ours had a bowling party last night- (hence- a family photo with both parents within!) It was Elliott's first time bowling and it was sooooo much fun! I had no idea how much fun he would have- I enjoyed kicking back watching as he clapped for everyone (including himself) every time a pin was knocked down. From the sidelines, I even got a "Go Momma!!!" Totally fun and totally memorable.

A Cold Day in California

Many of you out there think it could never be cold in Southern California- however- you are wrong. It has been cold and windy- and, I love it. I miss the cold winds in Idaho so these last few moments of chill have brightened my life- Especially getting to put a beanie on my Elliott!

So Madde- Where ya headed after this?

Little pretty cousin Madde- not at all afraid of the ride with E. Who knew?

Merry Christmas to Elliott and Cousins

Yes, Escalade it is. My little one drives a car- he is pretty good at it too (if it weren't for the automatic brakes every time he lets up on the gas pedal). I fit right inside with him- so I get to go for a ride too. It is nice for a change to be the one in the passenger seat! Papa Dave decided all of the kids needed one of these cars to drive themselves about in. They all love it! It is so funny- they have a choice of 2 different cars, a yellow car or this. So funny!
Oh man, life as a grandparent!

And then............

So Far, we have been able to get Elliott to age 2 without any real sicknesses. Well, he got the rota virus a few weeks ago- I must say- Yuk! I guess that is what I get for having a little one in preschool for a few hours a week. He was totally out of it- he fell asleep with his hand inside of a cup. He was more asleep than awake for 2 days- it was so bizarre and so not like him at all. It wore all of us out- as you can tell! I sat on the sofa just holding him most of the time- yes- secretly I loved every minute of it. Thank heavens for feeling better. I am so grateful that the flu passes. Amen.

Santa- The Man

We saw Santa two weekends ago- it was fun for Elliott. He loves the man- I am always surprised when he will go and sit on his lap.

Oh the Holidays...

Thanksgiving has come and gone- already! I can't believe that Christmastime is here already- We are trying all that we can to just enjoy every moment of the season. We took Elliott to Fashion Island to see all of the holiday decorations and such. It was a great time- he looks so tiny sitting on this box at the base of the tree. This tree is GIGANTIC- seriously- it is like the biggest live tree in the world or something like that- go figure. Anyway, Elliott loves it!

Super Streiffs

Halloween has become something that is way, way, way more fun with a little one- especially a 2 year old who thinks that superheros really exist! We had quite a time putting these together and such a good time watching Elliott run around in his superhero outfit!
Like I said- way more FUN!

Autumn

We went to the pumpkin patch today with Shelly's family. We had a great time, of course- train rides, zoo, straw maze, and all kinds of fun little things to do! Autumn to Spring are my favorite times of the year.

The kids love this train- it is here all year and it goes around Irvine Regional Park giving you it's history. Whenever we drive in the kids get all stoked about going on the train.

To think- I grew up in Idaho my whole life and I never thought to go feed a goat-
We now have a little Elliott that simply adores feeding the goats- cracks me up!

Elliott thought it was more fun to pick up the pumpkins and throw them than do anything else- I can't believe we got him to sit still for this shot!

Beautiful Kenyon!

Little Family

We took a few shots of the three of us- it seems like all of our pictures are either of just Elliott or Elliott and only one of us- usually Craig because I am always the one taking the pictures!

Ahh Vacation!

We spent a week in Maui with Craig's family this month- it couldn't have been better. We had a great time just getting away and having some time to relax and enjoy ourselves! Elliott enjoyed just being silly- in the first one this is him trying to cross his eyes- it cracks me up!

2 and Big

Well, here we are! I can't believe Elliott is already 2! Sometimes- time flies! He had a great little party with family and a few friends and took quite a haul when it was all said and done. Craig and I didn't even give him some of the stuff we bought him until the next week.

He loves this remote control motorcyle. We take it out for a spin in the driveway once in awhile- often without clothes on! I love it when he is my little nudie with crocs on!

Getting Ready for Preschool

Next week Elliott starts a little 5 hour a week preschool. I think he is excited- at least I hope that he is excited! His teachers came over to the house and met him in his own little territory and then he and I had a little play date in his classroom with the other kids in his class. That seemed to go quite well. I am a little nervous about the actual day that I have to say goodbye and leave- I think we'll both be fine! :)

It looks like Elliott is quite an artist- it was Craig- E is doing the coloring in!

Tricycle Time

Elliott recently got a trike! Dang, I love trikes- I would love to find an old school "Big Wheel" for him! He loves his trike! Obviously! He can totally reach the pedals, however, he won't let us show him how to use them- nor will he even try himself.

Summer Days 2006

Yesterday was a really hot day so Elliott stripped down to his chocolat -milk- stained onsie and we turned on some music and danced for half the afternoon. He was having such a good time- at one point he said- "Momma- sit, sit."(patting on our leather chair)- Now, I am hoping that he just wanted to show off and have me watch, however, maybe he was sensing my need for a break. He has this endless energy that I love---well, most days!

Anticipation and the Nudie

Elliott gets so excited when the waterfalls in the front yard turn on- He climbs everything quite well when he has a purpose.

Lately he has been asking to be "nudie"- yes, strange request, however, it makes for some fun and interesting moments at our house. We like to be- uhhhh- free here.....

Back to my Roots

Heros of the day? Uncle Speney and Papa Mark- who knew that going home to Idaho would present such excitement for Elliott? Okay, well, I did. I knew the day that Elliott thought that mowing the lawn with Craig was the most exciting thing in the world that I had much more in store for him.

First that of a driving lawnmower- oh the excitement! You all should have been there!
Second- that of a tractor ride! It was so funny to see how excited Elliott got at the thought of a tractor ride. The whole trip, everytime he saw a tractor he had to shout out "TRACTOR!!!"

We fell in love with Idaho- I had just forgotten how much it meant to me.